Texas House Bill HB4602

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to readmission of a student to a regular school setting following notice that charges against the student were dismissed.

Impact

The bill modifies Sections 37.006(h) and (i) of the Education Code, establishing clear procedural rules for readmission following incidents that may have led to disciplinary action. One key change is that a student's readmission is contingent upon a review by the superintendent or a designee, which must occur within three class days upon receiving a notice of dismissal from criminal charges. This timeline is critical as it seeks to expedite the process, thereby reducing the time a student may spend away from their regular school setting unnecessarily.

Summary

House Bill 4602 addresses the readmission of students to regular school settings after charges against them are dismissed. According to the provisions in the bill, when a superintendent receives notice regarding the dismissal of charges, it triggers a review of the student's placement in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP). The bill aims to ensure that students are provided with a fair opportunity to reintegrate into the standard classroom environment unless there is a legitimate safety concern pertaining to their presence in the classroom.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 4602 include concerns about the balance between ensuring student safety and honoring the rights of students who have faced charges. Proponents argue that this bill enhances the educational rights of students, allowing them better opportunities for reintegration into their learning environments. However, critics may raise issues regarding the adequacy of the review process, questioning whether it sufficiently safeguards against risks posed by students who may have engaged in serious behavior prior to their readmission.